Contemplating God directly
First Hierarchy
These choirs gaze upon God and adore Him. They do not minister directly to humans but illuminate the lower choirs with the light they receive from the Divine presence.
Choirs: Seraphim · Cherubim · Thrones
Cœlestes Spiritus
Angels
Angels are pure spirits created by God to serve Him and care for His creation. The Church teaches that each person has a guardian angel. Sacred Scripture names only a few angels; most remain hidden. The nine choirs, drawn from Scripture and the tradition summarized by St. Thomas Aquinas and the Liturgy, describe how the heavenly host is ordered toward God and toward us.
✦
Three Hierarchies
The nine choirs are grouped into three hierarchies, each with a distinct orientation toward God and creation.
Governing the universe
Second Hierarchy
These spirits receive God's plans and help execute them in the cosmos, ordering the movements of creation and the work of lower angels.
Choirs: Dominions · Virtues · Powers
Serving humanity and the Church
Third Hierarchy
These angels are closest to us. They guide peoples and nations, deliver God's great messages, and guard and assist individual souls.
Choirs: Principalities · Archangels · Angels
Nine Choirs
Each choir has a name, meaning, and office in God's plan.
- 1.
Seraphim
(Burning ones)Highest choir. They burn with charity and cry “Holy, holy, holy” before the throne of God (Isaiah 6). Their fire is love that consumes all earthly attachment.
Scripture: Isaiah 6:2–3
- 2.
Cherubim
(Fullness of knowledge)Contemplate the divine wisdom and glory. Represented in Scripture guarding Eden and above the Ark of the Covenant, symbols of God's presence and hidden mysteries.
Scripture: Genesis 3:24 · Exodus 25:18–22
- 3.
Thrones
(Seats of God)Reflect divine judgment and justice. They are called thrones because God is said to judge from them, stable, luminous bearers of God's decrees.
Scripture: Colossians 1:16
- 4.
Dominions
(Lordships)Regulate the duties of lower angels. They receive commands from God and ensure the heavenly order is carried out without disorder.
Scripture: Colossians 1:16 · Ephesians 1:21
- 5.
Virtues
(Strengths)Bestow grace for miracles and heroic virtue. They strengthen the saints and enable signs that manifest God's power in the world.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:22
- 6.
Powers
(Authorities)Defend against demonic spirits and maintain the cosmic order. They hold back spiritual powers of evil and protect the providential plan of God.
Scripture: Romans 8:38 · Ephesians 6:12
- 7.
Principalities
(Princes)Guide nations, cities, and peoples, including the Church as a body. They watch over collective human communities and their spiritual destiny.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:21 · Daniel 10 (angelic princes of nations)
- 8.
Archangels
(Chief messengers)Proclaim messages of supreme importance. Three are venerated by name in the Catholic Church: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 · Jude 1:9
- 9.
Angels
(Messengers)The multitude who minister to those who inherit salvation. Guardian angels belong to this choir, assigned to each soul to protect, prompt to good, and present our prayers before God.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:14 · Matthew 18:10 · Psalm 91:11
Angels Named in Scripture
Only three angels are venerated by name in the universal Roman liturgy: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Other names appear in apocryphal books or private revelation and are not required belief. The vast majority of angels are unnamed, and countless guardian angels serve the faithful in silence.
Three archangels of the Roman liturgy
Other names in Scripture or tradition